Another affidavit in HC for probe into deaths during docs' stir

An additional affidavit has been filed in the High Court of Karnataka, seeking directions to the Karnataka Medical Council (KMC) to conduct a detailed enquiry into the deaths that occurred during the statewide strike by private doctors and hospitals and submit a report on the same.

The affidavit says 51 deaths have taken place between November 13 and 18 in the state.

The affidavit, filed by Mayige Gowda, says the agitation was called by Dr H N Ravindra, Karnataka chapter president of the Indian Medical Association, to oppose amendments to the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Bill.

Dr Ravindra, along with others, participated in the meeting convened by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Belagavi on November 18.

After the meeting, Ravindra, on knowing about the deaths caused during the strike, said this was unfortunate and he would take responsibility for it.

The affidavit seeks further action by the court after submission of the report by the KMC, in the interest of justice and equality.

Hearing adjourned

The High Court adjourned the hearing of a batch of petitions concerning the statewide doctors' strike to January 2.

A division bench of acting Chief Justice H G Ramesh and Justice P S Dinesh Kumar said the matter needed a detailed discussion and framing of guidelines. Hence, it needed time.

The bench said all the petitions had different prayers that need to be heard and discussed in detail.